Matt Charles, DPA, APR

Matt Charles, DPA, APR

Matt Charles, DPA, APR


For two decades, Matt has provided a suite of strategic/crisis communications and public and community/government relations services for a number of institutions of higher education, government organizations, law firms, corporations, nonprofits and small businesses and startups.

He has served as deputy spokesperson for the University of Virginia, director of media relations for the UVA Darden School of Business and director of communications and public relations for Danville (Va.) Regional Foundation. He has a background as an on-camera spokesperson and host in Los Angeles and served as a special investigator in New York City, investigating sex and drug crimes against children.

Matt earned his doctorate in public administration with a focus on public policy/communications from Valdosta State University, Master of Public Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and Bachelor of Arts from UVA. He graduated from the UVA Sorensen Political Leaders and Duke University Nonprofit Certificate programs and has completed coursework toward a Certificate in Leadership from the UVA Darden School of Business. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Richmond Chapter and hold the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certification — a mark of distinction, results-oriented outcomes and ethics in the public relations industry.

In August 2018, Matt was appointed to the Fulbright Specialist Communications and Journalism roster — a unique opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in two- to six-week, project-based exchanges at host institutions across the globe.

Courses Taught